Honda Cars India Limited, the domestic division of Japanese car maker, recently showcased the 4th Generation model of City in the country. Sources close to the development process have revealed that the model will be launched in January 2014. As the launch date of new Honda City is not too far, the company's authorised dealerships have started accepting its bookings. Interestingly, potential buyers can book the new City by just paying Rs. 50000. However, it must be noted that the exact price and details of the model are not yet disclosed by the company.
Expressing his views at the launch ceremony, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Honda Cars India, Hironori Kanayama was quoted as saying, “City has been an image leader for Honda in India since its successful debut in 1998. We have some aggressive plans and high expectation from the new car with the high localisation helping us to carry forward the aggressive pricing. Besides, we are expecting the diesel variant to bring in some sizeable volume as the discerning Indian customers have already liked our first diesel car, Amaze.”
On the same lines, the company's Senior Vice President for Marketing and Sales, Jnaneshwar Sen said, “Like the successful compact sedan Amaze, which is the country's most fuel-efficient diesel car, the new City would be extremely high on mileage and would be the segment leader.”
It is believed that the new model will be offered in around 7-8 variants, across both diesel and petrol engine options. Coming to its technical specifications, the new generation model of Honda City will feature an option of either 1.5-litre i-DTEC diesel or a 1.5-litre SOHC i-VTEC petrol engine. Notably, the diesel engine of new City has been sourced from entry-level sedan Amaze; however slight modifications are expected. It happens to be the first diesel engine of Honda, which has been well received by the Indian audience.
Along with, petrol version will be incorporated with an i-VTEC engine, which has been exclusively developed by Honda to enhance the efficiency of its vehicles. This 1.5-litre petrol engine will churn out a maximum power of around 116 bhp with torque of up to 146 Nm. Interestingly, the City sedan has always been counted among the favourite models of Indian buyers and till now, the auto maker has delivered around 4.3 lakh units all over the country.
